Three defining moments from Penn State's win over Maryland
It was never pretty, but Penn State football managed to grind out a win over the Maryland Terrapins in College Park on Saturday evening, 31-14.
Penn State’s defense proved the standout unit for the Nittany Lions, once again filling the gaps left by an offense that failed to click for much of the game.
Individually, though, Jahan Dotson‘s performance was the highlight for the Nittany Lions. He broke a Penn State single-game receiving yardage record with 242 yards to go along with three touchdowns.
Let’s take a look at the three moments that decided the game.
1. Dotson breaks the top off the defense
The momentum was firmly on the Maryland sideline following an impressive drive that tied the game at 14 early in the fourth quarter.
To make matters worse, Sean Clifford took a sack on the first play of the ensuing drive, putting the Maryland defense in a strong position to get off the field.
Facing second-and-18, the Nittany Lions turned to Dotson — and he didn’t disappoint.
Clifford found the star wideout over the middle with plenty of space in front of him, and Dotson turned on the jets from there.
It was an 86-yard touchdown reception for Dotson, his third touchdown of the day.
This one, in particular, felt huge, considering the direction ths game appeared to be heading in.
2. Penn State’s defense comes up big after Dotson’s score
Shortly after taking the lead, the Nittany Lions set the Terrapins up to respond.
A rare poor punt by Jordan Stout gave the Terrapins strong field position at midfield.
As it has all season, Penn State’s defense responded well to the adversity.
Maryland was forced into a fourth-and-7 situation at the Penn State 33-yard line and lined up ready to go for it, but a false-start penalty forced the Terps to punt instead.
Top 10
- 1Hot
Netflix under fire
Tyson vs. Paul streaming issues
- 2New
Nico Iamaleava update
UT QB status revealed vs. Georgia
- 3
Nick Saban
Coach regrets leaving LSU
- 4
Gruden talks Tennessee
Ex-NFL coach addresses past rumors
- 5
DJ Lagway
Florida QB to return vs. LSU
The Nittany Lions took the ball down the field on their ensuing offensive possession to kick a field goal and make it a two-possession game.
3. Penn State stands tall in the red zone — with some help
Trailing by one score, the Terrapins brought the ball into the Penn State red zone late in the third quarter.
It was one of their best drives of the day. With Rakim Jarrett flexing his muscles at wideout, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that the Terrapins would punch it in, and give themselves an opportunity to tie the game with a two-point conversion.
But a crucial mistake canceled those plans.
Terrapins quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa failed to control a snap from his center, and Penn State safety Ji’Ayir Brown recovered.
The Nittany Lions couldn’t capitalize on their ensuing offensive possession, but denying the Terrapins points proved key in this tight contest.
